Personal Data
Full legal name, date/place of birth, A-Number, USCIS online account, social security where applicable, and current legal name history.
Completing the N-400 accurately preserves eligibility, speeds processing, and reduces the risk of denial or referral to removal proceedings. The form establishes the factual record USCIS relies on for interviews and oath scheduling.
Applicants filing for naturalization, immigration attorneys, accredited representatives at nonprofit legal clinics, and agency staff prepare or review N-400 submissions.
Each party’s role differs: applicants provide facts and signatures, representatives prepare exhibits and legal arguments, and agencies process filings and schedule biometrics and interviews.
Full legal name, date/place of birth, A-Number, USCIS online account, social security where applicable, and current legal name history.
Basis for filing (e.g., 5-year continuous residence, 3-year spouse of U.S. citizen, military service) and supporting documentation.
All addresses and employers for required lookback period; include dates showing continuous residence and physical presence.
List international trips with dates and durations; excessive absences can affect eligibility and should be explained.
Disclose arrests, convictions, removals, or prior immigration violations; attach certified court dispositions and relevant documents.
Applicant signature under penalty of perjury; declaration date and printed name must match identity documents.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Required fields | Mark name, DOB, A-Number, signature, and address as required to prevent incomplete submissions. |
| Conditional fields | Use conditional visibility for sections like military service or prior removals to reduce signer confusion. |
| Authentication | Choose email + SMS code or stronger methods for identity verification before signing. |
| Attachments | Allow PDF/DOCX uploads and require specific file types for birth certificates and court records. |
Select a platform that supports PDF/DOCX uploads, audit trails, and secure signer authentication for sensitive immigration forms.
File when you meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements for your eligibility category
Usually scheduled within 4–8 weeks after USCIS receipt of the application
Interviews commonly occur several months after biometrics; local office workloads determine exact timing
If approved, the oath ceremony is scheduled after the interview and background checks are complete
USCIS issues RFEs when evidence is missing; respond by the deadline to avoid denial
Submit the completed form, required fees, and supporting evidence to USCIS.
Attend the fingerprint and photograph appointment to enable background checks.
Attend the naturalization interview with originals of all supporting documents.
If approved, attend the naturalization ceremony to receive the Certificate of Naturalization.
| Criteria | N-400 | I-485 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | naturalization | adjustment to lawful permanent resident |
| Primary eligibility | residence + citizenship basis | immigrant visa or eligibility |
| Biometrics required | ||
| Interview required | often yes |
A clinic collects IDs and court records, prepares a single evidence binder
An attorney uses a secure intake portal for documents and signatures
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |